Very excellent points, imho.
I have observed, however,
that God, throughout Scripture and history . . . asked folks to do unusual things . . . dip 7 times in the muddy Jordan . . . etc.
He is intent on dealing with our pride.
And a lot of the Pentecostal stuff imho, is that sort of thing.
Of course, as you outline so well, given human nature, we can take something designed to deal with our pride and turn it into a red badge of . . .
. . . .
PRIDE!
Sigh.
Hey, I’m not at all opposed to unusual stuff. That’s not the issue at all.
It’s the using it, or rather misusing it, as a measuring rod whereby to measure another’s spiritual progress.
2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.